Ofc Rogers shot in the line of duty and needs help

HAINES CITY POLICE OFFICER SHOT IN LEG DURING TRAFFIC STOP

Haines City Police Officer Dwight Rogers is recovering after being shot in the leg during a traffic stop Sunday evening.

Officer Rogers pulled over Luis Alfonso Alicea Feliciano, 32, of Winter Haven because he was driving a BMW SUV 15 miles per hour over the speed limit and passing other drivers erratically. The incident occurred at 8:39 p.m. at the intersection of Glen Este Blvd and U.S. 27.

Officer Rogers asked Feliciano for his drivers license and registration and he refused. Because the driver was being uncooperative, Officer Rogers asked for backup.

Officer Rogers told Feliciano that if he did not produce the identification he would be arrested. The driver still refused and Officer Rogers removed him from his vehicle. Because the BMW’s plate showed a “seize tag order” from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, Rogers informed the driver that the car would have to be towed.

The driver asked Officer Rogers if he could call his girlfriend to come and retrieve some groceries from his car and Officer Rogers agreed.

A short time later the girlfriend, Daribel Torres-Orozco, 30, and her brother, David Antonio Torres-Orozco,26, arrived on the scene in a white Kia sedan.

The girlfriend and her brother expressed their displeasure with having the car towed and became aggressive towards the officers. The officers asked them to leave the scene as they were interfering with the investigation. They refused that request multiple times and officers told David Torres-Orozco that he was under arrest. While Officer Rogers attempted to handcuff him, David Torres-Orozco began fighting the officer. During the struggle, the suspect was able to reach into Rogers’ holster and pull the trigger, shooting the officer in the right leg.

Other officers continued to fight with the suspect and ultimately used a taser to subdue and handcuff him.

Officer Rogers was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Hospital where he is recovering.

Haines City Interim Police Chief Loyd Stewart said “I am told our officers on the street have experienced an increase in people who believe their own opinion of the law is more important than what an officer is directing them to do. On the side of the road is not the place to adjudicate guilt or innocence. You have an obligation to follow lawful orders. Now, we don’t mind when people ask us questions and we will try to answer them; but in the end, courts, judges and juries decide if our actions follow the law.”

David Torres-Orozco was charged with:

Resisting an Officer with Violence

Aggravated Battery on a a Law Enforcement Officer Attempted Felony Murder with a weapon Resisting an officer w/o violence Using a firearm during a felony offense Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

Daribel Torres-Orzco was charged with:

Two counts of resisting an officer without violence

Luis Alfonso Alicea-Feliciano was charged with:

One count of resisting or obstructing an officer without violence

Most recent update:

Currently he is in stable condition but there is no talk of discharge at this point. However, they are currently trying to control the bleeding and the intention is not to take him to surgery to remove the fragmented bullet unless it becomes necessary. His wife, Ebony, is at his bedside and having to take unexpected time off work. They are unsure of the road ahead but we do know that it will consist of strenuous therapy both inpatient and outpatient. He and his wife are concerned with being able to stay afloat during his recovery time. Police officers rely on overtime and extra details to make ends meet for their family and he will not have this option for the foreseeable future. Let's all rally around this officer and show him that we all bleed blue! Donations, prayers and shares are very appreciated.